Using Aircraft For Surveillance Of Disputed Work Sites

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 in Philadelphia has acquired a small 'air force' of UAVs it is using to keep an eye on disputed work sites.

The Philadelphia Enquirer reports that Union Leader John "Johnny Doc" Dougherty has been the driving force behind the strategy. Earlier this year, the union posted an HD video shot using a UAV during a protest in the city. The video was set to the Rockwell's 1984 hit "Somebody's Watching Me".

Non-union workers are saying that the aircraft are being used as a high-tech union intimidation tactic, while immigration advocates say it could lead to racial profiling.

And the union may have violated multiple federal airspace regulations flying over the worksites. The union does not appear to hold a Section 333 exemption, and the video was reported to the FAA by another, authorized aerial photographer.

A union spokesman told the paper that the union is working to get into compliance with federal regulations, and has not flown its aircraft since the video was recorded.

When it starts flying again, union leaders say they hope that video captured by the UAV will help it defend itself against charges of workplace intimidation or violence.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.ibew98.org